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Commodity Trader Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

The team includes top talent, with many ex-Optiver, ex-IMC, and ex-Citadel traders and quants. Overview : Exciting opportunity to build a Commodity Options Desk within a highly successful Equity ...

Relative Value Trader

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100 - $200/hr

... commodity producers and users. Now, DV group affiliates include two broker dealers, a cryptocurrency market making firm, and a bourgeoning investment adviser. Overview: DV Trading is looking for a ...

... commodity producers and users. Now, DV group affiliates include two broker dealers, a cryptocurrency market making firm, and a bourgeoning investment adviser. Overview: DV Trading is looking for a ...

... commodity producers and users. Now, DV group affiliates include two broker dealers, a cryptocurrency market making firm, and a bourgeoning investment adviser. Overview: DV Trading is looking for a ...

... commodity producers and users. Now, DV group affiliates include two broker dealers, a cryptocurrency market making firm, and a bourgeoning investment adviser. Overview: DV Trading is looking for a ...

Advise clients on SAP-enabled process design across trading, logistics, inventory, finance, and settlement operations for downstream and adjacent commodity sectors * Lead requirements gathering ...

Position Summary As a Volatility Trader at Simplex, you will take an analytical approach to identifying market opportunities with favorable risk-reward profiles with the goal of generating trade ...

RWE Supply & Trading Americas, LLC To start as soon as possible Your future plans The Day Ahead Trader will join a dynamic team focused on optimizing returns for RWE's growing portfolio of generating ...

Short-term Congestion Trader

Chicago, IL · On-site

$125K - $175K/yr

RWE Supply & Trading Americas, LLC To start as soon as possible Your future plans Shape the future of energy with us - join #TeamRWE at RWE Supply & Trading Americas! An exciting new opportunity ...

Day-Ahead Trader

Chicago, IL · On-site

$125K - $175K/yr

RWE Supply & Trading Americas, LLC To start as soon as possible Your future plans The Day Ahead Trader will join a dynamic team focused on optimizing returns for RWE's growing portfolio of generating ...

Trader

Chicago, IL · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

... commodity producers and users. Now, DV group affiliates include two broker dealers, a cryptocurrency market making firm, and a bourgeoning investment adviser. Overview DV Trading is looking for a ...

... commodity producers and users. Now, DV group affiliates include two broker dealers, a cryptocurrency market making firm, and a bourgeoning investment adviser. Overview: DV Trading is looking for ...

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Showing results 1-20

Commodity Trader information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$51K

$67K

$81.4K

How much do commodity trader jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for commodity trader in Chicago, IL is $67,010.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,300.00 and $74,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a commodity trader?

Commodity traders buy and sell commodities for a firm or bank. Your job duties include researching current stock market trends, advising clients on investments, and keeping up with industry news. Most commodity traders receive instructions from clients before performing deals online or in-person. Since you are dealing with your client’s money, closely tracking the price of commodities is key. Many commodity traders double as financial advisors for their clients, reviewing their investment portfolios in person.

What are the main challenges a commodity trader faces when managing market volatility?

Commodity Traders often navigate significant market volatility due to factors like geopolitical events, supply chain disruptions, and weather patterns. Managing this volatility requires staying informed through real-time data, utilizing risk management tools such as hedging, and maintaining strong relationships with clients and suppliers. Success in this role also depends on quick decision-making and adaptability, as market conditions can change rapidly. Collaborating closely with analysts, logistics teams, and risk managers is essential to develop effective trading strategies and minimize potential losses.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a commodity trader, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Commodity Trader, you need strong analytical skills, financial acumen, and a background in finance, economics, or a related field, often supported by relevant certifications such as Series 3. Familiarity with trading platforms, risk management software, and market analysis tools is essential. Excellent decision-making under pressure, negotiation skills, and effective communication set top performers apart in this field. These skills and qualities are crucial for navigating volatile markets, managing risk, and maximizing profitable trading opportunities.

What is the difference between Commodity Trader vs Commodity Analyst?

AspectCommodity TraderCommodity Analyst
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in finance, economics, or related fields; certifications like CFA are commonUsually holds a degree in economics, finance, or related areas; certifications like CFA are also beneficial
Work EnvironmentFast-paced trading floors, financial institutions, or trading firmsResearch firms, financial institutions, or corporate analysis departments
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by trading companies, banks, and commodity firms for buying and selling commoditiesEmployed by research firms, investment banks, and corporations for market analysis and forecasting

While both roles require strong analytical skills and knowledge of commodities, Commodity Traders focus on executing trades and managing risk in real-time, whereas Commodity Analysts conduct research and provide insights to inform trading strategies and investment decisions.

Does commodity trading pay well?

Commodity traders can earn high salaries, especially with experience and successful risk management skills. Compensation often includes base pay, bonuses, and commissions, and can vary based on market conditions and individual performance.

How much do commodity traders make?

Commodity traders' salaries vary based on experience, location, and performance, but they typically earn between $70,000 and $150,000 annually. Successful traders with strong market skills and risk management expertise can earn significantly higher bonuses and commissions, increasing total compensation.

Is commodity trading a good job?

Commodity trading as a profession involves buying and selling raw materials like oil, metals, and agricultural products, often requiring strong analytical skills and market knowledge. It can be financially rewarding but also involves high risk and market volatility, making it suitable for individuals with risk management skills and the ability to work under pressure.

What do commodity traders do?

Commodity traders buy and sell raw materials such as oil, metals, agricultural products, or energy commodities in global markets. They analyze market trends, manage risks, and execute trades using trading platforms, often requiring strong analytical skills and knowledge of market regulations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Commodity Trader jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Commodity Trader jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What job categories do people searching Commodity Trader jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Commodity Trader jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Commodity Trader job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,010 per year, or $32.2 per hour.

Sales - Commodity Trader (Japanese Bilingual)

Pacific Advisory Service

Schaumburg, IL • On-site

$70K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Join the U.S. subsidiary of a prestigious Japanese company with over 150 years of history. This company is seeking an ambitious bilingual professional to develop a long-term career in international grain trading. This position offers the opportunity to work directly with senior management and has strong growth potential for future leadership within the company.
Key Responsibilities
  • Purchase grain at competitive prices while considering quality, logistics, and market conditions
  • Analyze U.S. grain market trends and prepare reports in Japanese
  • Interpret during meetings between U.S. business partners and the Japanese headquarters
  • Coordinate logistics, storage, and transportation of grain shipments to Japan
  • Support international sales and marketing activities for new products
  • Build strong relationships with suppliers, customers, and business partners
Qualifications
  • Native-level Japanese and business-level English
  • Bachelor's degree in Business, Economics, Finance, or a related field
  • Strong analytical and communication skills
  • Experience in sales, trading, finance, banking, or commodity markets preferred
  • Grain trading experience (especially corn) is a plus
  • Knowledge of foreign exchange, CBOT futures, or options trading is a plus
  • Authorized to work in the United States
  • Willing to relocate to the Champaign, Illinois area
  • Willing to participate in early morning meetings with Japan when needed

Pacific Advisory Service logo

About Pacific Advisory Service

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Pacific Advisory Service is a Chicago-based recruiting firm established in 1988 for the purpose of promoting business relations between the United States and the Asia-Pacific region. The major activities of Pacific Advisory Service primarily focus on nationwide executive and professional search. Pacific Advisory Service aims to provide you with the best information and matches possible. We treat each assignment with the utmost regard for confidentiality and professionalism.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

1 - 10 Employees

Headquarters location

Schaumburg, IL, US

Year founded

1988

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